Thursday
Mar182010
I think he liked music
March 18, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Eliza 
It was late in the day and we had set up camp about an hour before. We'd put down our bedrolls and taken all the wood off the truck, ready to start a fire. It had been a long drive and we were all tired and dusty, our throats desperate for that first gulp of ice-cold beer. Our camp overlooked the plains, endless views over an open savanna and the beginnings of a red red sunset. With that came the night sounds, those that can keep you awake - with nerves jangling - if you're not used to it.
I think he was on his own, his small and immature tusks must us think he was a youngster but he had the appearance and bearing of a much older elephant; it was hard to tell, East African elephants are generally smaller than their southern Africa counterparts. I'm not sure if we disturbed him, or him us, but we contemplated each other for a while, without alarm. It was probably fair to say that we were on on his patch, but as I said, it had been a long day and we were not moving.
My boho rock-star diva friend had brought her guitar and after a couple of vodkas she started singing some old Dylan songs. She was joined by D on drums, he owns a genuine Irish Bodhran and plays it beautifully; he also sings too, in husky tones. There is no lengthy drawn-out sunset in Africa, it just goes down...one minute light, the next minute dark...kabisa. The only sounds came from around our fire and just outside it we heard the 'chomp chomp chomp' as our elephant friend added considerably to the percussion. The stars came out and we kept singing. A rather low point arose when none of us remembered the words to Hotel California, but D got us back on track with his haunting vocals on Imagine.
Male elephants are usually cast out from their natural herds when they are young and they form bachelor herds with other young males. Maybe he was on his way to find his own 'tribe', maybe he was older than we thought - a late developer - and just 'doing his thing'. Whatever, we appreciated each others company for the night and come the morning we went our separate ways.
Reader Comments (16)
What an amazing memory to have and share. You described it so beautifully that I almost feel as if I was there with you.
First - what an exquisite capture of this gorgeous elephant. And second - I just love how you describe your life and travels in Africa. It's like going on a midnite journey to another place and time. Thank-you for this glimpse into another world!!!
Yes and Yes, ditto and ditto, to the above comments, Eliza. And a hearty laugh to your title. This piece suddenly reminds me of the song "God and [hu]Man at Table are Sat Down." The thought that humans and beasts and gods of all kinds can all sit down together at one table is quite awesome. A little bit of music will definitely help! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-AxPzY8Goo
Oh my goodness. What a magnificent capture with such stunning detail. I love each wrinkle...and the eyes. Once again, intriguing story telling.
Lovely story and stunning picture. Since a safari in South Africa where we encountered an agressive elephant I am scared of elephants
Beautiful imagery and words. Elephants are my favorite animals...and this one is captures beautifully. Makes me want to continue this safari with you.
before i read a word, i thought, eliza. for sure. imagine that this is your life!! i love it.
Beautiful picture and story. And I thought I had wrinkles. Jan
Eliza! Terrific. I always come away from your posts with thought-provoking ideas and knowledge. I love the many patterned textures in your image.
an absolutely magnificent photo -- excellent
fantastic photo...he looks so intense!
what a story you tell..i could actually picture being there, what a cool memory for you :)
Fabulous photo, Eliza, and what an experience to have had. Only in my dreams... :)
Wonderful image and what a great story, Eliza! I felt the magic of the African night, the voices singing and the elephant presence, like that of an old and shy friend. Thanks for sharing!
Eliza - Love this. I think he DID like music, and I have a CD to prove it. Jami Sieber's Hidden Sky. Cello music accompanied by the Thai Elephant Orchestra (or something like that). I have actually worn out 2 copies and am on my 3rd. You should check it out - it's perfect background for this lovely post. :)
As you may have already figured out, I have a secret spot in my heart for elephants. He is so beautiful.
Thank you for sharing ...
Fantastic picture and what an experience to have danced with an elephant ;-) It is so fun to read about your end of the world Eliza, thanks for that.